Introducing You To Our Worship Services

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For
he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
(Psalms 95:6-7)

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is but
exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:25)

We want you to visit us, but we realize an unfamiliar place can be intimidating.
We want you to feel comfortable, so we have prepared this article to tell you
what you can expect when you honor us with a visit

Background

In the early days, after the Lord's church began, it was much different than the
denominations of today. Throughout the generations man has altered virtually
every aspect of Christ's church including its teachings, its worship and its
practices. Today, you will find many different religious organizations, each
claiming to uphold Biblical teachings and practices, yet each teaching many
contrasting doctrines. This is, at the very least, extremely confusing for
anyone searching for God's truth (John 8:32). Our plea to those of all
denominations is "The Restoration Of True New Testament Christianity." We
believe the Bible has the answers to all of our religious needs. It is not our
aim to be influenced simply by habit, preference and tradition, but rather to be
a Bible-centered church. We will, therefore, always attempt to give scriptural
reasons for our teachings and practices. We invite you to join us in our quest
for true New Testament Christianity (Matthew 7:21-23).

The Worship Setting

The worship setting will be a simple one. Some congregations meet in homes or
rented facilities, but most meet in a modest building that has been erected or
purchased for the purpose of worship. You will find no elaborate architecture or
costly furnishings, simply a structure where God's people gather to praise and
honor Him. The Worship is Simple And Dignified We truly hope you will be touched
by the simplicity and dignity of the worship services. In our worship, all
persons will worship together rather than being divided into classes or groups.
We feel this best keeps in harmony with the pattern of the early church, as well
as providing the most profitable learning experience for each family member.
Each worship service is designed to draw every person closer to God and provide
an atmosphere that will allow all to worship God in spirit and in truth (John
4:24). Since all we do is governed by the word of God, you will find us
observing only those things contained therein. We shall do our best to duplicate
the Biblical pattern of the early church in everything we do.

The following describes our worship.

The Singing

Our song service may seem different from that customarily practiced in many
churches. All the singing will be "acappella," that is, without instrumental
accompaniment. As Christians we are commanded to sing and make melody in our
hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). Common men introduced
instrumental music into Christian worship after 666 A.D. Since the New Testament
makes no mention of instrumental music, we feel it would be an addition to God's
will if we added and employed instruments of music. The songs will be melodious
psalms, hymns and spiritual type songs (Colossians 3:16). Each song will be
selected so as to praise and glorify God and create an atmosphere of worship.
You will find a songbook in a bookrack nearby. When the song leader announces a
song, you may use the songbook to follow the words and music of the song. Please
sing along with us and experience the joy of praising our Creator.

Prayer

There may be several prayers during the service. Prayers are designed to praise
God, thank Him for His blessings, intercede for others, and petition Him to meet
our needs (Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:9-13).

Teaching

The teaching will be done by men only, speaking one at a time. The women will
remain silent, not because we think they are inferior, but because of God's
teaching in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 & 1 Timothy 2:12-13. You will notice that the
teacher will have no title, and will not be wearing any special religious
garments which will set him apart from others. The reason for this is Christ's
teaching in Matthew 23:8-12 and the teaching on the priesthood of all believers
found in First Peter 2:5, 9. The teaching service is designed to instruct and
exhort in ways of righteousness. You are encouraged to follow the speaker in
your Bible as the lesson is presented, and to take notes for further study (Acts
17:11). Our goal is to present sound Biblical teaching so that all present will
be edified.

Invitation

An invitation will be offered at the close of the sermon. This is a convenient
time when any number of desires can be expressed by those in the audience. There
may be some who desire to become a Christian. There may be Christians who desire
to confess sins or request prayer for a specific need. Don't feel uncomfortable
or pressured during this invitation. If, however, you have a need, we will be
glad to assist you. You will never be singled out or embarrassed in any way.
During this time there may be several who respond, or none.

The Lord's Supper

If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord's Supper, or Communion, will be
observed just as we understand it to have been done on the night our Lord
introduced it (Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20). The brother attending the table
will take bread, bless it, break a piece from it, eat, and pass it to another
until each Christian has broken and eaten. He will then take the cup containing
Fruit of the Vine, bless it, drink, and pass it to another until each Christian
has partaken (1 Corinthians 10:16- 17). This is the simple New Testament pattern
repeated at this congregation each first day of the week (Acts 20:7). If you
choose not to participate, feel free to just pass the plate or cup to the person
next to you.

Contribution

You will not find us soliciting money through any special offerings, spaghetti
or pie suppers, bake sales, car washes or any other fund raising methods. The
Lord's church is financed by the collection or contribution of the members,
which is taken only during the Lord's Day morning worship service in accordance
with the teaching found in First Corinthians 16:1-2. At this time Christians are
to give as they have been prospered and as they purposed in their hearts (Second
Corinthians 9:7). As our guest, you are not expected to participate in the
contribution, but you should feel free to do so if you wish.

What Kind Of People Will You Find?

The answer to that question is "a great variety." In society we are segregated
by many factors such as race, nationality, color, economic status, education,
and cultural backgrounds, among other factors. The common bond that men and
women enjoy in Jesus Christ erases those boundaries. All those who have
obediently accepted Jesus Christ are simply Christians - not American Christians
or Russian Christians: not white Christians or black Christians; not rich
Christians or poor Christians or "whatever" Christians - just Christians
(Galatians 3:28, Acts 11:26). As Christians we are a family and we enjoy a
unique care, comfort and concern that only a family shares. Just like in a
family, you will find happy people and sad people; friendly people and
unfriendly people; loving people and selfish people. You will also find people
who know a lot and those who know little. We're not perfect. We don't know it
all. We were not brought together by our illusions of perfection, but by the
common need we have for a Savior. This is the glue which holds us together in
spite of our imperfections. Please consider becoming part of our Christian
family.

How Can I Become A Christian?

I must first realize that I have sins in my life and because of that I am in
need of a Savior (Romans 3:23; 6:23). I must understand that through His grace,
God did what I could not do. He provided a Savior for me, the gift of His one
and only Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10, John 3:16, Acts 4:10-12, Romans
5:8). I must then answer the question, "What Must ‘I do' to be saved?" Or "Is
there something ‘I must do' to gain access to God's grace?" God's Word Says
There Is I must accept God's gift through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). This faith
must be an obedient faith (James 2:14-20, Matthew 7:21-23). This faith must be a
faith that repents of sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19). This faith must be a faith
that confesses faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9, Acts 8:37, Philippians
2:9-11, Matthew 10:32). This faith must be a faith that submits to baptism in
water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 8:36, 22:16) so that I might "put on
Christ" (Galatians 3:26-27). This faith must be a faith that causes me to "walk
in newness of life" as a Christian and child of God (Romans 6:1-4, Titus
2:11-14, Second Timothy 2:19). By virtue of the obedient faith that I have
demonstrated in submitting to the Lord's teachings regarding the question "What
Must I Do To Be Saved?", the Lord adds me to His church(Acts2:47). I'm then a
New Testament Christian and part of God's family.

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

You are extremely important to the people of this congregation. A friendly smile
and warm welcome awaits you. You will never be singled out for public attention
or embarrassed in any way. Each visitor at this place is an honored guest.